Function of clip on outer ft brake pad???

[pisgahhiker]

I'm just wondering why there is a clip on the ft outer break pad??
The pad has holes that caliper bolts run thru so the pad could not fall off.

So what is the function of this clip?
It doesn't even make contact with the caliper when it's in place.

Can I tear the clip off ?? It's hitting the back of my rim just lightly but enough to make a sound when driving.

 

[TheUser]

clips should hold the pad to the caliper, but like you said, the bolts hold it on, so i've wondered the same thing. I've broken mine off before and still used the pads and they were fine. I thought my clips were scraping my wheel one time and it ended up being the freaking caliper bolt, so I had to get .25" spacers for the front.

 

[pisgahhiker]

so you had no problems when you removed them?

I'm trying to get around spacers because I'm already tucking rim so it may hit the fender.

 

[TheUser]

I just went to check to see if it's the pads i have on now and they do have clips, but I know i've broken them off before and ran them and I don't remember having a problem. I'd feel better if you waited for some more results before doing it if you can just so you don't screw something up.

Personally, I'd do it, but I don't want someone else to screw their car up/risk their life because of me...

 

[pisgahhiker]

lol ok we will wait untill someone else confirms it's cool.
I don't see how it would hurt it though.

Anyone know?

 

[Mustang5L5]

I think it's more or less there for sonic vibrations. The bolts hold the pad as well as the rotor and calipers. The clip doesn't really hold it that well. It's not that strong and any real force on it will shear it right off.

I think it's more to keep the pad tightly secured to the caliper to cut down on sonic vibrations which cause squealing.

 

[pisgahhiker]

well i guess i'm gona rip that sucker off.

I'll be back with results.

 

[pisgahhiker]

Well I didn't crash and burn

Removing the clip fix the sound and everything works A-ok

Thanks guys this was a big help

 

[Ray III]

I believe the sole function of pad clips is to hold them in place during installation.

 

[10HoleLX]

[/QUOTE]...So what is the function of this clip?
It doesn't even make contact with the caliper when it's in place...
.[/QUOTE]
You screwed up dude. The purpose of that clip is to keep the pad from moving around and causing noise. The clip should be hugging the caliper tightly! What you should've done was to some how bend the clip to make a tighter fit on the caliper or get a new different set.

What you did was wrong. Not good automotive maintenance practice.

 

[pisgahhiker]

...So what is the function of this clip?
It doesn't even make contact with the caliper when it's in place...
.[/QUOTE]
You screwed up dude. The purpose of that clip is to keep the pad from moving around and causing noise. The clip should be hugging the caliper tightly! What you should've done was to some how bend the clip to make a tighter fit on the caliper or get a new different set.

What you did was wrong. Not good automotive maintenance practice.[/QUOTE]


Oh well it doesn't make sound the old clips were not touching eather I had no sounds then eather.
I think your full of it.
I actually think there only there for installing them.

Oh well brakes are cheap so screw it if it starts clicking I'll change them but for now it's working and I could really care aless.

Wheel spacers won't work beacause I already tuck rim and I don't know of another brake pad thats any diff.

I also took the brakes off my LX the clips are not touching the caliper on it eather.
No sounds there eather.

It doesn't look like the clips on the capri in the shop are touching eather.
So out of the 3 foxes I own none touch and have never had brake problems or sounds.
If they do it's no big deal I'll just fix it

I even ran the GT up to 130mph last night to make sure the braking was still normal. Seemed fine so no worries here.
I think I'm going to convert her car to 5 lug anyway so I'm going to get some wheels that fit better and keep her welds for my track tires so I can run street tires on my welds and just swap to her old ones when I need them.